KR100609372B1 - Image forming apparatus and control method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An image forming apparatus and its control method are provided in which an adjustment that satisfies an image quality is performed without fail, for example, unnecessary adjustments can be omitted, and the frequency of execution of the adjustments can be changed. The image forming apparatus includes a controller (110) for issuing a plurality of commands; An engine (120) for executing image formation in accordance with the command; The state status S30 indicating the internal state of the engine 120 and the print statuses S31 and S32 representing the printing of the state status, or the print statuses S31 and S32 are maintained, and the response is made in response to the command. A control unit (100) for notifying a status status (S30) and the printing status (S31, S32) or the printing status (S31, S32); And judging means for judging whether to adjust the image forming conditions of the engine 120 in response to the state status S30 and the print statuses S31 and S32 or the print statuses S31 and S32.

Description

 Image forming apparatus and its control method {IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE SAME}

Fig. 1 shows the concept of status as to whether to perform adjustment in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is composed of Figs. 1A, 1B, and 1C.

2 is a flowchart showing a control sequence for determining and executing a density control in a control circuit of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a flowchart showing a control sequence for determining whether to issue an instruction for executing density control in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart showing a control sequence for determining and executing a density control in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows the concept of status as to whether to perform adjustment in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is composed of Figs. 5A, 5B, and 5C.

6 is a flowchart showing a control sequence for determining whether to issue an instruction for executing density control in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a factor necessary to perform density control in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the factor priority thereof.

8 is an exemplary block diagram of a printer control mechanism of a printer which is an image forming apparatus.

9 shows details of signals in a video interface.

10 shows details of signals of a video interface;

Fig. 11 is a timing chart showing an example of timing of each signal in the case of using a "/ CCRT" signal.

Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of command / status transmission between the printer controller and the printer control circuit.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a control sequence for determining whether to perform density control in the printer control circuit in the conventional example.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of drawing>

4: driving circuit

7: bias control means

20 control unit

54: printing means

81: means of notification

83: argument sequence control means

100: printer control circuit

110: printer controller

120: printer engine

S30: Status Status

S31, S32: Printing status

S33, S34: Priority status

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus having a function of adjusting image forming conditions according to a change over time, an environment change, and the like, and a control method thereof.

Until recently, an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system such as a printer and a copying machine has been performing image forming as follows. That is, the surface of the image bearing member uniformly charged is exposed by the exposure apparatus to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image on the image bearing member is developed by the toner to form a toner image. The toner image is transferred from the image bearing member to a recording material such as recording paper. Thereafter, the toner image on the recording material is heated and pressed to be fixed on the recording material.

Here, each process in image formation is suitably controlled by the control means provided in the image forming apparatus and having a processor and an input / output terminal of a signal.

Assume a case where a multicolor image is formed in the image forming apparatus. A high-pressure unit is provided that applies a transfer bias to the transfer-charger corresponding to the development bias for the developing unit for developing the electrostatic latent image and the number of times the image is transferred in each color. In accordance with the multicolor image forming cycle, the control means turns on / off the high pressure unit in order to form a multicolor image.

8 is an exemplary block diagram of a printer control mechanism of a printer which is an image forming apparatus.

In Fig. 8, reference numeral 3 denotes a video signal; 4 is a drive circuit; 5 is a laser drive signal; 6 is a start signal, 7 is a bias control means; 8 is a bias signal such as transfer or development; 18 is a video interface; 20 is a control unit; 52 is a print sequence signal; 54 is a printing means, 55 is an actuator drive signal; 81, notification means; 83, print sequence control means; 100, a printer control circuit; 110, a printer controller; 120 is a printer engine; 121, an exposure apparatus; 122, a high voltage unit; 123 is a conveying means or the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, the printer control circuit 100 is electrically connected to a printer controller 110 that processes image data and the like or processes internal information of the printer.

At the time of image formation, a multicolor image signal is transmitted from the printer controller 110 to the printer control circuit 100. In accordance with the transmitted image signal, the control unit 20 installed in the printer control circuit 100 generates a video signal 3 and outputs the signal to the drive circuit 4.

The drive circuit 4 is used to drive the semiconductor laser and outputs the laser drive signal 5 to the exposure apparatus 121.

In addition, the printing means 54 connected to the control unit 20 drives an actuator for driving an actuator such as a motor, a clutch, and a solenoid according to the print sequence signal 52 or the sensor information from the control unit 20. The signal 55 is output to operate the conveying means or the like 123 for conveying the recording sheet.

The control unit 20 outputs the first video signal and the second video signal generated according to the multi-color image signal through the driving circuit 4, so that the first and second electrostatic latent images on the image bearing member (not shown). To form. At the same time, the control unit outputs the start signal 6 to the bias control means 7.

In response to the start signal, the bias control means 7 outputs the bias signal 8 to the high voltage unit 122 used for transfer or development according to the start signal, so that an electrostatic latent image is developed and the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper. do. Thus, multicolor images can be formed.

In addition, the print sequence control means 83 connected to the control unit 20 transmits to the control unit 20 a print sequence for performing a process accompanying the detection of the open / closed state information of the printer cover or a normal printing operation. .

In addition, the video interface 18 which connects the information of the printer engine 120 at the time of image formation between the printer control circuit 100 and the printer controller 110 by the notification means 81 connected to the control unit 20 is formed. The printer controller 110 is notified as a status via.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the signal of the video interface 18 is demonstrated.

9 and 10 show details of the signals of the video interface.

In particular, FIG. 9 shows representative signals transmitted between the printer controller 110 and the printer control circuit 100.

In the figure, the symbol "/" in front of the abbreviation code for each signal name indicates that the signal is a negative logic signal.

Printer power ready signal "/ PPRDY": Signal that indicates that communication is possible after the printer device is powered up and initialized. This signal is transmitted from the printer control circuit 100 to the printer controller 110.

Controller power ready signal " / CPRDY ": A signal indicating that communication is enabled after the printer controller 110 is powered up and initialized. This signal is transmitted from the printer controller 110 to the printer control circuit 100.

Ready signal " / RDY ": A signal indicating that a print operation is enabled in response to a signal " / PRNT " requesting the device to start a print operation to be described below. This signal is transmitted from the printer control circuit 100 to the printer controller 110. This signal is for example the internal temperature of the fixing unit reaches a predetermined temperature; No recording paper remains in the printer; It may be set to "true" when each part of the printer is operating normally, such as the polygon mirror is rotating at a predetermined speed.

Print signal "/ PRNT": A signal that requests the device to start or continue a print operation. This signal is transmitted from the printer controller 110 to the printer control circuit 100.

Page Top Signal "/ TOP": Sync signal as a reference for vertical scanning of an image. This signal is output from the printer control circuit 100 after a predetermined time after the signal "/ PRNT" is output from the printer controller 110.

Line synchronizing signal "/ LSYNC": A synchronizing signal as a reference for horizontal scanning of an image. This signal is output from the printer control circuit 100 after a predetermined time after the signal "/ PRNT" is output from the printer controller 110, similarly to the signal "/ TOP".

Video clock signal " / VCLK ": A synchronous clock synchronized to the signals " / VDOEN " and " / VDO " This signal is generated by the printer controller 110.

Image enable signal "/ VDOEN": A signal for inputting the image signal "/ VDO" output from the printer controller 110 into the printer control circuit 100. The printer control circuit 100 detects whether the signal "/ VDOEN" is set to true or false in synchronization with the signal "/ VCLK", inputs the image signal "/ VDO" if it is true, and if it is false, the image. Do not input the signal "/ VDO".

Image signal "/ VDO": The image data is output from the printer controller 110 and based on the signal "/ LSYNC (relative to the horizontal direction of the image) with respect to the signal" / TOP "(relative to the vertical direction of the image). And outputs in synchronization with the signal "/ VCLK". Therefore, the signal "/ VDO" is output.

Controller clock signal " / CCLK ": A command to be serially transmitted from the printer controller 110 to the printer control circuit 100, and a synchronous clock of status transmitted from the printer control circuit 100 to the printer controller 110 in series. This signal is output from the printer controller 110.

Command signal "/ CMD": A signal used when the printer controller 110 serially transmits information to the printer control circuit 100, and this information is called a "command".

Command busy signal " / CBSY ": A signal indicating to the printer control circuit 100 that the printer controller 110 serially transmits a command using the signal " / CMD ".

Status signal " / STS ": A signal used when the printer control circuit 100 serially transmits information to the printer controller 110, and this information is referred to as " status ".

Status busy "/ SBSY": A signal indicating to the printer controller 110 that the printer control circuit 100 serially transmits the status using the signal "/ STS".

Status change notification "/ CCRT": A signal for notifying the printer controller 110 that the status inside the printer has changed. After receiving this signal, the printer controller 110 issues a command to inquire the printer control circuit 100 of what state on the printer engine 120 side has changed using the signal "/ CMD". The printer control circuit 100 responds to the command using the signal "/ STS".

The signal " / CCRT " is true if any change has occurred to the printer state specified by the printer controller 110 in advance.

There are other signals such as speed change "/ SPCHG", paper feed "/ PDLV", and paper top "/ TOPR".

Next, the timing of each signal in the case of using the signal "/ CCRT" will be described with reference to FIG.

11 is a timing diagram illustrating an example of timing of each signal in the case of using the signal "/ CCRT".

11 shows a case where the printer controller 110 is set to make the signal "/ CCRT" true when, for example, the signal "/ CMD" indicating "no paper" is transmitted.

In this case, for example, if there is only one recording sheet in the recording sheet cassette, and the printer controller 110 requires two sheets to be printed, the first sheet is printed without a problem, but when the image forming for the second sheet is started, the printer control circuit ( 100 detects a change in state, that is, "no paper", and changes the signal "/ CCRT" from false to true as shown in FIG.

As soon as the printer controller 110 detects that the signal " / CCRT " is truly changed, the controller executes the following operation to check which paper cassette is in a state of " no paper ". That is, as shown in Fig. 11, the controller changes the signal " / CBSY " to true and uses the signal " / CMD " to the printer control circuit 100 to request a status indicating whether recording paper remains in the paper cassette. Issue a command. As shown in Fig. 11, in response to this command, the printer control circuit 100 changes the signal " / SBSY " to true and transmits a status indicating whether the recording sheet remains in the recording sheet cassette using the signal " / STS ". do.

Note that the state of the signal " / CCRT " is cleared and becomes false at the timing at which the signal " / SBSY " is true, indicating that the status has been transmitted.

Next, referring to Fig. 12, the transmission of the command / status between the printer controller 110 and the printer control circuit 100 will be described.

12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of command / status transmission between the printer controller 110 and the printer control circuit 100 assuming the formation of a color image.

When the printer is instructed to start a printing operation, the printer controller 110 executes image processing or the like, and issues a command to the printer control circuit 100 to confirm whether the printer is in a ready state.

Next, the controller issues a command for designating the paper feed cassette, and issues a command for requesting a desired size of the recording paper accommodated in the designated paper feed cassette.

Next, the printer controller 110 issues a command for designating a discharge port, issues a page mode designation command for designating a desired number of pages for image formation, and issues a command for designating monochrome or color image formation. Therefore, the specification is finished for all items.

The printer control circuit 100 transmits the corresponding status in response to the series of commands.

Thereafter, the printer controller 110 generates the signal "/ PRNT". In response to this signal, the printer control circuit 100 returns the signal "/ TOP" after a predetermined time.

A signal " / VDO " that synchronizes scanning in the vertical direction with the signal " / TOP " and synchronizes scanning in the horizontal direction with the signal " / LSYNC " is transmitted to the printer control circuit 100 in synchronization with the signal " / VCLK ".

Note that when the color mode is set, the signal "/ TOP" requires the printer to start image formation for each color component. Therefore, if the signal " / TOP " occurs four times, an image of four colors of C, M, Y and K can be formed.

After the last signal " / TOP " is generated, the printer controller 110 returns the signal " / PRNT " to false.

From this, the printer control circuit 100 detects that the requested printing operation is completed. The process proceeds to post-processing such as cleaning of each part.

On the other hand, the recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is discharged from the designated discharge port after passing through the fixing roller.

Finally, the printer controller 110 confirms that the conveyance (discharge) of the recording sheet is finished based on the status transmitted from the printer control circuit 100.

When the discharge end is confirmed, the print job is terminated, and the printer controller 110 waits in the ready state until the next print request occurs.

During the above printing operation, when an abnormal condition occurs, for example, when the recording sheet is jammed or exhausted, or the user opens the printer device cover, the printer control circuit 100 uses the signal " / CCRT " Notifies the printer controller 110 that is abnormal.

Then, the printer controller 110 identifies the abnormality generated from the status transmitted in response to the command and executes the processing according to the abnormality.

In the printer engine 120 described above, in particular, in a printer engine that outputs a color image, the printer engine 120 gradually changes in accordance with an increase in the number of prints, a change in the environment, or the like even if the output image is not abruptly changed in density or density balance.

Similarly, regarding the color error of the formed image, the phase shift of the developing drum, and the like, the conditions associated with the image formation are not always optimal depending on whether the user replaces the cartridge, changes in the environment, changes over time, or other factors.

Thus, by monitoring whether the cartridges have been replaced, the elapsed time, the number of outputs, the change in the environment, and the like, the conditions for their image formation are adjusted to the optimum state (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-29092, for example).

Hereinafter, a sequence for determining whether these adjustments are performed by the printer engine 120 and the printer controller 110 will be described as an example focusing on the density control.

The printer engine 120 capable of outputting a color image cannot output an appropriate image unless the density of the color components Y, M, C, and K used for image formation is particularly balanced when forming a color image.

The reason why the density balance is broken is that, for example, the residual charge of the photosensitive material due to repeated image formation is increased, or the humidity or temperature of the environment around the apparatus is changed. Under the conditions of the original application range, proper image formation cannot be performed.

In order to overcome this, a change in some factors in which the concentration balance is broken is detected and controlled to maintain the concentration balance.

Examples of the factor to be detected include "continuous stop time in standby state" and "number of ejected recording sheets" detected by a CPU (not shown) mounted in the printer control circuit 100 (hereinafter, in some cases) &Quot; accumulated number of images ", " the number of images formed on the intermediate transfer member " 100), there is a change in temperature or humidity detected.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, determination of whether to control density by the printer control circuit 100 is demonstrated.

13 is a flowchart showing a control sequence for determining whether to control the density by the printer control circuit 100. The CPU of the printer control circuit 100, which always monitors the change of the factor to be detected, executes the sequence.

In step S161, it is determined whether the cumulative number of accumulated images / accumulated images has reached a predetermined value for which density control is to be executed; In step S162, it is determined whether the continuous stop time has reached a predetermined value for which concentration control is to be executed. In step S163, it is determined whether the change in the environmental state such as temperature or humidity has reached a level at which concentration control should be executed.

If it is determined that density control is necessary, the printer control circuit 100 notifies the printer controller 110 that it is necessary to perform density control using the signal " / CCRT " and the signal " / STS " (step S164).

Next, in step S165, the printer control circuit waits for an instruction to execute density control from the printer controller 110 and starts density control in step S166 immediately after receiving the instruction.

In general, a number of factors are used to determine whether to perform various adjustments. In some cases, factors fall into two categories: factors that must be adjusted to meet a specification regarding the quality of the output image; And a factor judged to be selectively needed for the purpose of setting an optimum image forming condition at that time in order to further improve the quality of the output image.

On the other hand, as in the above example, it is determined whether various adjustments are to be performed inside the printer control circuit. Thus, the printer controller 110 may not know which factor will suggest the need for adjustment.

Therefore, when the printer control circuit 100 notifies the printer controller 110 whether it is necessary to carry out the adjustment in accordance with the above sequence, the printer controller 110 instructs to perform the necessary adjustment.

In general, the execution sequence of the adjustment takes several tens of seconds, during which the user cannot obtain the print output.

As a result, unnecessary adjustment sequences are executed for the user who requests the output speed of the image or the speed of the response rather than the quality of the output image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is that adjustment to satisfy image quality is necessarily performed, and unnecessary adjustments can be omitted depending on user setting conditions. An image forming apparatus and a control method thereof can be provided.

In the following, features of the present invention are described.

An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, comprising: a controller for issuing a command representing a plurality of types of commands; An engine which executes image formation in accordance with the command; A control unit which maintains the status status indicating the internal state of the engine and the printing status indicating the printing of the status status, or the printing status, and notifies the status status and the printing status or the printing status in response to the command; And judging means for judging whether to adjust the image forming conditions of the engine in accordance with the state status and the printing status or the printing status.

In another aspect of the image forming apparatus, the control unit further maintains a priority status indicating the priority of the factor; The judging means determines whether to adjust the image forming condition of the engine in accordance with the state status, the print status, and the priority status, or the print status and the priority status.

An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, comprising: a controller for issuing a plurality of commands; An engine which executes image formation in accordance with the command; A control unit which maintains a state status indicating an internal state of the engine and notifies the state status in response to the command; Necessity determining means for determining whether to adjust an image forming condition of the engine based on the state status; And adjusting means for adjusting the image forming condition of the engine, wherein the necessity determining means needs to be immediately judged when the need is recognized for the adjustment of the image forming condition and the state status factor is determined. It keeps the argument state that represents.

In another aspect of the image forming apparatus, the controller includes adjustment execution determination means for determining whether there is a need for the immediate adjustment based on the printing status, and the adjustment execution determination means determines that there is a need for the immediate adjustment. The controller issues an adjustment execution command to the adjustment means.

In another aspect of the image forming apparatus, the control section maintains a priority status indicating a priority with respect to the adjustment execution of the image forming condition according to each factor.

In another aspect of the image forming apparatus, the adjustment execution determining means determines that the immediate adjustment is necessary when the priority of the factor with respect to the necessity is greater than a predetermined value.

In another aspect of the image forming apparatus, the image forming condition relates to density control of the image.

In another aspect of the image forming apparatus, the image forming condition is related to the color component balance of the color image.

In another aspect of the image forming apparatus, the image forming condition is related to the color error amount of the color image.

In another aspect of the image forming apparatus, the image forming condition is related to the shift amount of the drum phase in the multicolor of the color image.

A control method for an image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, comprising: notifying a status status indicating an internal state of an engine and a printing status indicating a factor of the status status or the printing status; And determining, according to the notified state status and the printing status, or the notified printing status, whether to adjust an image forming condition of the engine.

A control method for an image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, comprising: a status status indicating an internal state of an engine, a printing status indicating a factor of the status status, and a priority status indicating a priority of the printing factor, or Notifying the factor status and the priority status; And determining, according to the notified state status, print status, and priority status, or the notified print status and priority status, whether to adjust an image forming condition of the engine.

A control method for an image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, comprising: issuing a plurality of commands using a controller; Notifying a status status indicating an internal state of an engine in response to the command; Determining whether to adjust an image forming condition of the engine based on the state status; And in the case where it is determined that the necessity is recognized for the adjustment of the image forming condition, determining whether there is a need for immediate adjustment and notifying the factor status indicating the factor of the state status.

In another aspect of the control method for the image forming apparatus, determining whether there is a need for the immediate adjustment based on the printing status, and performing the adjustment if it is determined that the need for the immediate adjustment is needed. do.

In another aspect of the control method for the image forming apparatus, in the case where it is determined that the necessity of the adjustment of the image forming condition is recognized, a priority that indicates a priority with respect to the execution of the adjustment of the image forming condition according to each factor. And notifying the status.

In another aspect of the control method for the image forming apparatus, the method further includes determining that the immediate adjustment is necessary when the priority of the factor with respect to the necessity is higher than a predetermined value.

In another aspect of the control method for the image forming apparatus, the image forming condition relates to the density control of the image.

In another aspect of the control method for the image forming apparatus, the image forming condition is related to the color component balance of the color image.

In another aspect of the control method for the image forming apparatus, the image forming condition is related to the color error amount of the color image.

In another aspect of the control method for the image forming apparatus, the image forming condition is related to the shift amount of the drum phase in each color of the color image.

That is, when the controller notifies the necessity of adjustment, the engine notifies the controller as the status of the engine as a factor determined to be necessary for adjustment, or a factor determined to be necessary for adjustment and the factor priority of the factor, thereby providing the above-mentioned object. Can be achieved.

Other objects, configurations, and effects of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

<Example>

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described embodiments of the present invention.

(1st embodiment)

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1A to 1C, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 8.

Since the structure of 1st Embodiment is substantially the same as a conventional example, it demonstrates with reference to FIG.

Note that the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a printer control circuit which is a control unit.

The printer control circuit 100 includes a CPU (not shown) that is a necessity determining means in the control unit 20.

Here, the necessity determining means is not limited to the CPU, but may be provided separately from the control unit 20 and the control unit 100.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a printer controller that is a controller.

The printer controller 110 includes a CPU (not shown) and adjustment means (not shown) that are determination means and adjustment execution determination means.

Here, the determination means or the adjustment execution determination means is not limited to the CPU but may be provided separately from the printer controller 110.

In addition, adjustment means (not shown) may be provided separately from the printer controller 110.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a printer engine which is an engine.

1A to 1C show statuses of whether to perform adjustment among information (hereinafter, referred to as status) of the state of the printer engine 120 stored in a storage device (not shown) such as RAM in the printer control circuit 100. Is a conceptual diagram.

2 is a flowchart showing a control sequence for determining and executing a density control using the printer control circuit 100 in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This sequence is executed by the CPU (not shown) of the printer control circuit 100 which always monitors the change of the factor to be detected.

3 is a flowchart showing a control sequence for determining whether to issue an instruction for executing density control using the printer controller 110. This sequence is executed by the CPU (not shown) in the printer controller 110.

Here, S30 is a status status indicating what kind of adjustment the printer engine 120 currently needs to perform.

S31 and S32 are factor statuses indicating factors necessary for determining whether to perform density control or color error amount measurement.

In the following, the determination of whether to perform the density control and the control sequence relating to the execution will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU (not shown) of the printer control circuit 100 first determines in step S261 whether the density control has been executed after the printer is turned on, and if the control has not been executed, the density Determine if control is needed to be executed. The process then proceeds to step S268.

In step S262, the CPU determines whether the density control is to be executed after the printer returns from the sleep state to the normal standby state, and if the control is not executed, determines whether the density control is to be executed. The process then proceeds to step S268.

In step S263, it is determined whether the cumulative number of cumulative images / accumulated images has reached a predetermined value requiring density control execution. If the value has been reached, the process proceeds to step S268.

In step S264, it is determined whether the continuous stop time has reached a predetermined value for which concentration control is to be executed. If the value has been reached, the process proceeds to step S268.

In step S265, the CPU determines whether a change in environmental conditions such as temperature or humidity has reached a level at which concentration control should be executed. If the level has been reached, the process proceeds to step S268.

Further, in step S266, the CPU determines whether the number of sheets printed after the installation of the new cartridge has reached the predetermined number of sheets for which concentration control is required. If the predetermined number of sheets has been reached, the process proceeds to step S268.

In step S267, the CPU determines whether the cartridge has been replaced, and if so, determines that it is necessary to execute the density control because the density control has not been performed after the replacement. The process proceeds to step S268.

In step S267, the CPU returns to step S261 if the cartridge is not replaced.

If it is determined that concentration control execution is necessary in any of steps S261 to S267, in step S268, the bit corresponding to the factor requiring concentration control in the concentration control execution request factor status S31 shown in Figs. 1A to 1C is shown. Set to true. Subsequently, in step S269, the CPU notifies the printer controller 110 that it is necessary to execute density control using the signal "/ CCRT" and the signal "/ STS".

Next, in step S270, the CPU waits for a command (adjustment execution command) for the printer controller 110 to execute the density control to be issued, and immediately after the execution of the density control (adjustment execution command) is instructed, the adjustment means ( Concentration control is started (step S271).

On the other hand, in step S401, as shown in Fig. 3, the CPU (not shown) of the printer controller 110 determines whether a notification is received that it is necessary to perform density control. If the notification has been received, the process proceeds to step S402; Otherwise, the control sequence relating to the determination of whether to issue an instruction to execute the density control is terminated.

In step S402, it is checked whether the current image quality priority mode is set in the printer.

If the picture quality priority mode is set, the process proceeds to step S405 regardless of which factor suggests the need for density control execution. In step S405, an execution command (adjustment execution command) for concentration control is necessarily transmitted.

Note that the image quality priority mode can be arbitrarily set by the user by the setting panel of the printer or the driver setting on the host computer side.

If the image quality priority mode has not been set, the process proceeds to step S403 where the CPU requests the printer control circuit 100 to return " density control execution request factor status S31 " and receives the status. .

The process proceeds to step S404 to determine whether the bit for the execution essential factor of the "concentration control execution request factor status S31" is true.

If the bit for the execution essential factor of " density control execution request factor status S31 " is true, the process proceeds to step S405, while if the bit is false, a control sequence as to whether to issue an instruction to execute density control is entered. It ends.

That is, in step S403, a factor necessary to carry out density control from the received " density control execution request factor status S31 " is obtained, and whether density control execution is necessary at this point in time to satisfy the specification of the quality of the output image. Is determined in step S404.

For example, suppose that "the quality of the image cannot be guaranteed if the density control is not executed when the cartridge is exchanged", and the ninth bit of the "density control execution request factor status S31" (the density control is executed during the CRG exchange). If the request) is true, the CPU (not shown) of the printer controller 110 determines that it is necessary to perform density control.

Alternatively, suppose that "the concentration control is preferably executed after a specific time elapses", and the fourth bit of the "concentration control execution request factor status S31" (density control execution request at a specific elapsed time) is true. If the image quality priority mode is not set, the CPU (not shown) of the printer controller 110 determines that density control is not necessary at this time.

Of course, a case where a plurality of bits of the "density control execution request factor status S31" is true is also considered. However, if either bit corresponds to the density control execution essential factor, the CPU determines that it is necessary to execute the density control.

When it is determined in step S404 that execution of density control is necessary, the CPU transmits an execution command (adjustment execution command) for density control to the printer control circuit 100 in S405.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the printer engine 120 requires adjustment execution, the CPU (not shown) of the printer controller 110 indicates which factor suggests the necessity of the associated adjustment execution. The printing statuses S31 and S32 are notified. As a result, the CPU (not shown) of the printer controller 110 can select whether or not to issue an adjustment execution instruction at that time.

Therefore, an image forming apparatus and its control method can be provided in which the quality of the image can be satisfied at the minimum level and the frequency of adjustment execution can be set by the user. For example, in the case where the user sets to the quality priority mode of the output image, the adjustment is always performed when it is notified that the adjustment execution is required; Otherwise, even if notified that adjustment execution is required, non-essential adjustment execution is not instructed.

Note that in the present embodiment, the determination has been made as to whether to execute concentration control including concentration reproducing and to issue an instruction to execute concentration control. However, of course, the same applies to the color component balance of the color image, the measurement of the color error amount (shift amount of the drum phase in each color of the color image), and other adjustments.

In addition, as described in this embodiment, the factors that present the necessity of various adjustment executions, and the configuration relating to which factors are adjustment execution essential factors are only examples of the configuration of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. The above may be changed depending on the configuration of the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

Further, the image quality priority mode in this embodiment is adopted as an example in this embodiment, and the image quality or the frequency of execution of various adjustments programmed by the user or by the printer controller 110 or printer engine 120 Contains settings for.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where it is determined whether to perform the adjustment of the image forming conditions using the state status S30 and the print statuses S31 and S32 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to determine whether to perform adjustment using only the print statuses S31 and S32.

For example, a table indicating the correspondence relationship between the printing statuses S31 and S32 and the required adjustment may be prepared in advance in the printer controller 110 or the like, and this may be possible.

(2nd embodiment)

In the first embodiment, a mode has been described in which a factor determined to be necessary for various adjustments is held as the print statuses S31 and S32, and it is determined whether or not adjustment is necessary according to the factor.

In the second embodiment, a description will be given of the case in which the priority statuses indicating the priority of the factors are additionally maintained with respect to the factor statuses S31 and S32 of the factors judged to need various adjustments.

Note that the same parts as in the conventional example and the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a control sequence for determining and executing density control using a CPU (not shown) of the printer control circuit 100 of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart of FIG. 4 differs in that FIG. 2 and step S272 used in the first embodiment are added.

5A to 5C are conceptual views of the status as to whether to perform adjustment among the statuses of the printer engine 120 stored in a storage device (not shown) such as RAM in the printer control circuit 100.

S33 and S34 are priority statuses indicating the priority of the factors in the "concentration control execution request factor status S31".

6 is a flowchart showing a control sequence for determining whether to issue an instruction for executing density control using the printer controller 110.

7 shows an exemplary table of correspondences between factors that need to implement concentration control and their priority.

In FIG. 4, it is determined whether the density control is executed in steps S261 to S268 as in the first embodiment. In the " density control execution request factor status S31 " shown in Figs. 5A to 5C, the bit corresponding to the factor necessary to execute the density control is set to true.

In step S272, the priority of the bit set to true in step S268 is set (updated) to the priority status S33 (or S34) shown in Figs. 5A to 5C.

At this time, the correspondence between the factors necessary to execute the density control and the priority thereof is, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, in a table or other stored in a storage means such as a ROM in the printer control circuit 100. Can be derived from a sequence.

Subsequent steps S269 to S271 are the same as in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6, in step S401, the printer controller 110 determines whether a notification is received that it is necessary to execute the density control. If the notification is received, the process proceeds to step S403; Otherwise, the control sequence relating to the determination of whether to issue an instruction for executing concentration control is terminated.

In step S403, the printer controller requests the printer control circuit 100 to carry " density control execution request factor status S31 " and receives the status.

Then, in step S406, in order to obtain the priority of the factor set to true in the factor status S31, the controller requests " density control execution request factor priority status S33 " (or S34) and receives the status.

Here, it is assumed that the user sets in advance the frequency of performing various adjustments, for example, by setting the image quality.

In step S407, the controller compares the priority of the factor necessary to perform the concentration control with the set value (predetermined value), where the priority of the factor is obtained in step S406. If the priority is higher than the set value (predetermined value), the controller transmits an execution instruction command (adjustment execution command) for concentration control in step S405.

Further, in step S407, when the priority is lower than the set value (predetermined value), the control sequence relating to the determination of whether to issue the density control execution instruction is ended.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the factors necessary to perform various adjustments are notified together with the priority statuses S33 and S34 indicating the priority of the factors as the status. Therefore, the CPU (not shown) of the printer controller 110 can select whether or not to issue an adjustment execution instruction at that time. At the same time, an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof that can satisfy the image quality at the minimum level and set the frequency of execution of adjustment step by step can be provided.

Note that the present embodiment has been described with regard to the determination of whether to execute the density control including concentration reproduction and the determination of issuing a control execution instruction. However, of course, the same applies to the color component balance of the color image, the measurement of the color error amount (shift amount of the drum phase of each color of the color image), and other adjustments.

In addition, as described in this embodiment, the configuration relating to the factors and the priority of the factors that suggest the necessity of various measurement executions is only one configuration example in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. The above may be changed depending on the configuration of the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

In addition, the setting regarding the frequency of execution of various adjustments in this embodiment is adopted as an example in this embodiment, and the image quality programmed by the user or by the host computer, the printer controller 110 or the printer engine 120. Or setting the frequency of various adjustments.

Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described in which it is determined whether to adjust the image forming conditions using the state status S30, the print statuses S31 and S32, and the priority statuses S33 and S34. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to determine whether to perform adjustment using only the printing statuses S31 and S32 and the priority statuses S33 and S34.

For example, a table indicating the correspondence relationship between the printing statuses S31 and S32 and the required adjustment may be prepared in advance in the printer controller 110 or the like, and this may be possible.

As described above, there can be provided an image forming apparatus and control method thereof in which an adjustment that satisfies the image quality can be executed necessarily, for example, unnecessary adjustments can be omitted due to a user setting condition, and the frequency of execution of the adjustment can be changed. .

In the above, the present invention has been described based on some preferred embodiments, but is not limited to these embodiments. It is apparent that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

An image forming apparatus capable of receiving a plurality of types of commands from a printer controller, wherein upon receiving any one of the plurality of types of commands, information about an internal state of an engine of the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the printer controller. And an image forming apparatus that executes an image forming operation in accordance with the different kinds of commands when a different kind of commands among the plurality of kinds of commands is received. Means for transmitting to the printer controller information indicating that adjustment of image forming conditions is necessary; Means for transmitting to the printer controller information indicating why the adjustment of the image forming conditions is necessary; And means for executing the adjustment of the image forming condition in accordance with an image forming condition adjustment execution command received from the printer controller. The method of claim 1, And means for transmitting information indicating the priority of the information indicating the reason to the printer controller. The method of claim 1, The information indicative of the reason includes at least one of power on, page count, idle time, environmental variation, return from slip, and cartridge replacement. The method of claim 1, The image forming condition includes at least one of the density of the image, the color component balance of the color image, the color error amount of the color image, and the shift amount of the photosensitive drum phase of each color of the color image. . A printer controller for controlling an image forming apparatus, the printer controller capable of transmitting a plurality of types of commands to the image forming apparatus, Means for acquiring information indicating that adjustment of image forming conditions is necessary from the image forming apparatus; Means for obtaining, from the image forming apparatus, information indicating why the adjustment of the image forming conditions is necessary; Judging means for judging whether or not to perform the adjustment of the image forming condition on the basis of the information indicating the reason; And means for transmitting an image forming condition adjustment execution command to the image forming apparatus based on the determination result of the determining means. The method of claim 5, Image quality priority mode can be set, And the judging means judges whether or not the adjustment of the image forming condition is performed based on the setting of the image quality priority mode and the information indicating the reason. The method of claim 5, Means for obtaining from the image forming apparatus information indicating the priority of the information indicating the reason; And the determining means judges whether or not the adjustment of the image forming condition is performed based on the information indicating the priority and the information indicating the reason. The method of claim 5, The information indicative of the reason includes at least one of power on, page count, idle time, environmental variation, return from sleep, and cartridge replacement. The method of claim 5, And the image forming condition includes at least one of the density of the image, the color component balance of the color image, the color error amount of the color image, and the shift amount of the photosensitive drum phase of each color of the color image. As a method of adjusting image forming conditions of an image forming apparatus, Transmitting information indicating that adjustment of image forming conditions is necessary from the image forming apparatus to the printer controller; Transmitting information indicating why the adjustment of the image forming condition is necessary from the image forming apparatus to the printer controller; Obtaining, by the printer controller, a determination result of whether or not the adjustment of the image forming condition is performed based on the information indicating the necessary thing and the information indicating the reason; Transmitting a command from the printer controller to the image forming apparatus based on the determination result, for executing the adjustment of the image forming condition;  And performing the adjustment of the image forming conditions by the image forming apparatus based on the command. As a method of controlling an image forming apparatus, Transmitting information indicating that adjustment of image forming conditions is necessary to the printer controller; Transmitting information indicating to the printer controller why the adjustment of the image forming condition is necessary; Receiving a command from the printer controller for executing the adjustment of the image forming condition; And based on the command, executing the adjustment of the image forming conditions. A method of controlling a printer controller, Receiving from the image forming apparatus information indicating that adjustment of the image forming conditions is necessary; Receiving from the image forming apparatus information indicating why the adjustment of the image forming conditions is necessary; Obtaining a result of judging whether or not to perform the adjustment of the image forming condition based on the information indicating the necessary thing and the information indicating the reason; And transmitting a command to the image forming apparatus to execute the adjustment of the image forming conditions based on the determination result. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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